Are the client/agent taking the micky?

[TNA57]

Yeah maybe I was being a bit flippant there my point was yes work hard, deliver, don't take the p!ss but also don't work 12 hours a day to lick the MD's ar$e while he pats you on the head, chanting 'good boy', telling you you're his favourite and whispering sweet nothings about extension promises in your ear

I sympathise with the situation the OP is in. However as the experienced minds here have said, i would also advise that you move on.
I think mostly for IR35 purposes as well you shouldn't expect to have work at the end of your contract so the promise from the MD might mean you were bordering on being inside. At least you can prove that there was financial risk to your company now

[northernladuk]

I think mostly for IR35 purposes as well you shouldn't expect to have work at the end of your contract so the promise from the MD might mean you were bordering on being inside.

I don't see that the work was promised. You could argue it was just a forecast of what might potentially be on the table. We all do that. Look at the work we've been given and make a call as to whether we are done at the end of this gig or there is potential for more. I don't think a discussion about this blows your MoO.

At least you can prove that there was financial risk to your company now

Erm nope. This is business risk, not financial risk. Financial risk is more about you and cash. There are two good examples here.

IR35: Financial Risk - Contractor Weekly

[TNA57]

Thanks for the example
There is always a fine line which could easily be crossed with IR35 but not to diverge from the post, i believe the bottom line for OP is to move on.
And someone once told me - do the minimum to get you through don't try to do your best to impress client.
I on the other hand try to carry out work as smart as i can afterall to be successful in my field one has to be lazy - a bit!

[northernladuk]

Thanks for the example

You are welcome.

There is always a fine line which could easily be crossed with IR35 but not to diverge from the post,

Erm. Yes and no. There are the three main pillars, getting your contract right and having the right working practices. The rest are just flags but that's no reason to ignore them.

i believe the bottom line for OP is to move on.

Totally

And someone once told me - do the minimum to get you through don't try to do your best to impress client.
I on the other hand try to carry out work as smart as i can afterall to be successful in my field one has to be lazy - a bit!

I think that's rubbish advice and you do right to do what suits you.

[jmo21]

So you impressed the Project Manager with your hard work and long hours, painful lesson.

I work hard, especially at the start of a contract, as others have said, but long hours should always only be for exceptional circumstances.

Otherwise it becomes the norm, and you are diluting your rate. Seen it happen with permies more though. Chasing the next promotion, pay rise, bonus. Each to their own, but I've lost count of the number of times I've seen the 'long hours permies' get made redundant.

[SussexSeagull]

Bit annoying to happen on the run up to Christmas but charge to the end of the week and explore new opportunities in the new year.

Do what you need to do for the handover but no more.

[SueEllen]

So you impressed the Project Manager with your hard work and long hours, painful lesson.

I work hard, especially at the start of a contract, as others have said, but long hours should always only be for exceptional circumstances.

Otherwise it becomes the norm, and you are diluting your rate. Seen it happen with permies more though. Chasing the next promotion, pay rise, bonus. Each to their own, but I've lost count of the number of times I've seen the 'long hours permies' get made redundant.

If you are doing long hours then you can't manage your work load.

[MrMarkyMark]

Again

Two words, move on.

[kingtut]

So you impressed the Project Manager with your hard work and long hours, painful lesson.

I work hard, especially at the start of a contract, as others have said, but long hours should always only be for exceptional circumstances.

Otherwise it becomes the norm, and you are diluting your rate. Seen it happen with permies more though. Chasing the next promotion, pay rise, bonus. Each to their own, but I've lost count of the number of times I've seen the 'long hours permies' get made redundant.

^ Or they burnout and have to go off on sick..

[wantacontract]

move on mate....

shake hands, tell them you've really enjoyed working with them and hope to get an opportunity again in the future.....

just don't do all the extra hours next time.....